On Sunday, October 19, New Hampshire Fish & Game assisted in the rescue of a lone hiker who requested help near the summit of Little Haystack in Lincoln. Jayson Choy, 23, of East Hampstead, NH, was hiking along Franconia Ridge when darkness fell. He did not have water, food, or a light, but was able to call for help on his cell phone.

An uninjured Choy was eventually located by conservation officers just below the summit of Little Haystack on the Falling Waters Trail. He was assisted down the trail to the parking lot, arriving at approximately 9:50 p.m. It’s possible that Choy will be charged for the cost of the rescue, given that he admitted to being unprepared for his hike.

Note: If you hike in New Hampshire, you might consider purchasing a Hike Safe card from the state’s Department of Fish & Game. The voluntary card costs $25/year for individuals, $35 for families, and serves as a sort of insurance policy, providing “protections from certain liabilities for rescue costs,” even if you acted negligently. The card also covers other outdoor recreational activities, such as mountain biking, skiing, climbing, and paddling.